Page 6 of Masked Mountain Man (Cold Mountain Nights #3)
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Clover
T he wedding was beautiful—I even shed a few tears for the happy couple. But by the time the reception was in full swing, and Bale still hadn’t approached me, I was ready to go home.
I guess I was right—he’s no longer interested in me. And why would he be, especially since he was paired with Junie’s gorgeous sister, Autumn, for the wedding.
They make a striking pair on the dance floor, with his dark hair and muscular build, and her fiery red hair—the color I’ve always wanted—along with her tall, hourglass figure as they danced the traditional wedding party dance.
“I think I’m going to head home,” I shout to my sisters over the loud music.
“You can’t go home—Jessa hasn’t thrown her bouquet yet.” Rue gives me her best pout, which she knows I can’t say no to.
“Fine, I’ll stay, but only until she throws the bouquet, then I’m out of here.”
I should have been suspicious of their evil laughter, but my mind and eyes were on Bale as he sat at the front table facing the guests, staring back at me.
The heat of his gaze intensifies, making my body feel almost unbearable. “Is it hot in here, or is it just me?” I grab my napkin and dab the cloth against my bare chest where a bead of sweat runs between my breasts. My body heats up even more as I watch Bale’s hungry eyes follow my movements.
“Oh, it is definitely just you.” Rue laughs as Fern and Laurel join in.
I give them my best scowl, only to cause them to laugh even harder.
“All right, ladies, it’s time for the bride to throw her bouquet. All you single ladies make your way to the dance floor," the DJ announces.
“Come on, Clover, you promised.” Rue grabs my hand, pulling me out of the chair.
“Fine. But then I’m going home.”
We head to the dance floor with the other single ladies, including Junie’s sisters, Autumn and Iclyn, as the DJ plays the song ‘Single Ladies.’
A million thoughts run through my head as Jessa positions herself to throw the bouquet.
Do I want to catch it?
What if I catch it?
What if Autumn catches it and hands it to Bale?
“One.” Jessa starts the countdown.
“Two.” I wipe my suddenly clammy hands on my dress.
“Three.” Jessa tosses the bouquet over her shoulder as we all jockey for position.
The bouquet flies through the air, drifting slightly to the left before landing right into Iclyn’s hands.
Iclyn’s head jerks up, her eyes wide with shock.
A massive mountain man steps in front of her with a grin I can only describe as wicked.
“Oh, hell no.” She slaps the bouquet against his chest and dashes off the dance floor.
“Well, that was entertaining,” Autumn wiggles her eyebrows, making everyone around her laugh except the man holding the bridal bouquet—his eyes are still on Iclyn’s retreating back.
“I think I’m going to head home and go to bed.” I step toward our table to grab my purse when a pair of strong arms grabs me and throws me over his shoulder.
“I don’t think so, unless it’s our home and our bed.” Bale runs a hand over my ass. "Now, be a good girl and let your man take care of you.”
I should be mortified by his behavior, but instead, I’m preening like a peacock as he publicly claims me at the wedding reception.
“I was wrong,” Autumn calls after us. “That was entertaining.”